Book excerpt: In December 2014, Cuba and the United States resumed diplomatic relations after over half a century of hostility and political distance. The following year saw many visits to the island of US governmental representatives and others, as well as the opening of reciprocal Embassies in Havana and Washington. President Obamas March 2016 visit to the island represented the first by a serving US President since 1928. Far removed from the soaring ruminations of international diplomacy, however, Cuba: One Moment in Time reflects an intimate journey of exploration into elements of life as lived on the island and the ongoing challenges faced. It is a collection of observations: testimony, memoir, and struggle to understand a country with many contradictions. It captures a moment in time. This moment ... the one filled with expectation, hope, curiosity, pride, anticipation, and caution.